Monrovia, Liberia — Tensions within the United Methodist Church (UMC) in Liberia continue to escalate as police officers, reportedly acting on the orders of Bishop Samuel J. Quire, barred congregants from entering the historic S.T. Nagbe United Methodist Church on Sunday.
The deployment of heavily armed officers follows months of internal discord over the proposed “Regionalization Policy”—a reform initiative that some church members interpret as a pathway to legitimizing same-sex marriage within the denomination. The policy has sparked fierce opposition among conservative factions of the Church in Liberia.
In a public statement issued earlier this month, the S.T. Nagbe congregation condemned the policy, arguing that redefining marriage as a union “between two consenting adults of faith” contradicts established doctrine and erodes core Christian values. The church leadership accused Bishop Quire of attempting to impose theological changes that lack consensus among Liberian Methodists.
The dispute reflects broader tensions within the global United Methodist Church, which has struggled to reconcile differing views on LGBTQ+ inclusion across its international conferences. While some regions advocate for progressive reforms, others—particularly in Africa—have resisted moves they see as incompatible with traditional teachings.
As of Sunday, worshippers remained locked out of the S.T. Nagbe sanctuary, with no resolution in sight. The crisis underscores the growing divide within the denomination and raises questions about religious freedom, governance, and the future of the UMC in Liberia.
